Guidelines for Safely Using Gasoline Stoves and Lanterns

Use compressed or liquid-gas stoves or lanterns only with knowledgeable
adult supervision and in meeting facilities only where and when permitted.

Operate and maintain according to manufacturer's instructions included with
the stove or lantern.

Both gasoline and kerosene shall be kept in well-marked, approved containers
(never in a glass container) and stored in a ventilated, locked box at a safe
distance (a minimum of 20 feet) from buildings and tents. Keep all chemical fuel
containers away from hot stoves and campfires, and store below 100 degrees F.

Let hot stoves and lanterns cool before changing cylinders of compressed
gases or refilling from bottles of liquid gas.

Refill liquid-gas stoves and lanterns a safe distance from any flames,
including other stoves, campfires, and personal smoking substances. A commercial
camp stove fuel should be used for safety and performance. Pour through a filter
funnel. Recap both the device and the fuel container before igniting.

Never fuel a stove, heater, or lantern inside a cabin; always do this
outdoors. Do not operate a stove, lantern, or charcoal grill in an unventilated
structure. If you must use them to cook indoors, provide at least two ventilation openings, one high and one low, to
provide oxygen and exhaust for lethal gases. Never fuel, ignite, or operate a stove, heater, or lantern in a
tent.

Place the stove on a level, secure surface before operating. On snow, place
insulated support (like a small square of thin plywood) under the stove to prevent melting and tipping.

Periodically check fittings on compressed-gas stoves and on pressurized
liquid-gas stoves for leakage, using soap solution before lighting.

To avoid possible fires or explosions, locate gas tanks, stoves, etc., below any tents
since heavy leaking gas will flow downhill the same as water.

Keep fuel bottles and extra canisters well away when lighting a stove. Do
not hover over the stove when lighting it. Keep your head and body to one side.
Open the stove valve quickly for two full turns and light carefully, with head,
fingers, and hands to the side of the burner. Then adjust down.

Do not leave a lighted stove or lantern unattended.

Do not overload the stovetop with heavy pots or large frying pans. If pots
over 2 quarts are necessary, set up a separate grill with legs to hold the pot,
and place the stove under the grill. Or stack flat stones to support the
pots, leaving enough ventilation to prevent the stove from overheating.

One of the many disadvantages of propane and butane stoves is that the empty fuel containers
must be packed back home for disposal. Never place them in or near fires.
Empty fuel containers will explode if heated and should never be put in
fireplaces or with burnable trash.

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